Full Throttle and Finding Rides

While at Davis Harley-Davidson (previous post) I picked up a copy of "Full Throttle." A very nice (and free, which is always nice) North Carolina motorcycle magazine, it is a favorite of mine. It has a lot of motorcycle news, and a great event listing (it also is listed in my links, as there is a fine on-line version with much of the same info). For the January issue, had a lot of good articles on the many "Toy Runs" held in the Carolinas (have ridden some of them in the past) , an interview with the maximum Hells Angel Sonny Barger, and my favorite section "The Cruisin Calendar". Miss the great motorcycle web site "Carolina Motorcycle Events" which ended last year, but this lists many events in the area, and there are a lot of motorcycle events even in the winter in North and South Carolina. Some of those of note will be listed below. Not the only way to list events though, some are not listed there, have a few favorites of mine as well that I have learned of over the years via word of mouth, visits to them, and will also mention some of those.
In Virginia, I also have a magazine site (Thunder Road) with a link on this page, but does not seem to get as many events. Some events here I just stumble across while out exploring (found a couple of great bike shows that way).
Another great way to find events is at motorcycle shops, were rides and events are often posted. Riding groups also are a good source of information; Harley Owners Group is the biggest (aka HOG), but there are also groups for Kawasaki Vulcan (I ride with the Charlotte Vulcan Riders Association), Star Motorcycles; in fact most of the major brands have groups (though not chapters in all places).
Popular motorcycle events are bike nights. In Charlotte and Concord, NC there are many of them at such places as Iron Thunder, Hooters, Pat Rogers Harley-Davidson, and the biggest is usually at Quaker Steak and Lube. Though will be cranking up in the spring and into early fall. Though I have not yet been, the new Quaker Steak and Lube in Richmond also hosts a bike night, and I am told it has been growing.
Lots of fun things to do, and this is an early list of some upcoming events. First, a few that will cost you a few bucks to get into. That starts with The Easyriders Bike Show Tour January 22-23 at the Charlotte Convention Center. It is a big and popular show. The AMCA Southern National Meet will be held at Denton Farm Park, Denton, NC May 13-14, and says they will have a number of classic motorcycles on display. If you like to see Harley's drag racing, two big events at Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC on April 30-May 1, and again October 8-9 as part of the AHDRA 2011 Championship Series.
There are a number of free events to visit. Not really free (you have to get there) but Daytona Bike Week will be held March 4-13. Friends of mine who have been get all google eyed when they talk about it, I get the impression its a hell of a thing. Myrtle Beach comes up in the spring, but the city would rather that if you ride a motorcycle you would ride someplace else, so screw them! One of my favorite events (and not listed in the magazine) is the Antique Motorcycle Show at Gold Hill, NC; a very cool place, and has always been a fun and interesting event, this year on Saturday June 25.
As for Virginia, right now have only one; the AMA Pro Superbike Championship will be coming to Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA August 12-14. That event also charges admission. Speaking of racing, a lot of events (including some you can participate in) are listed in American Motorcyclist Magazine, or at the AMA web site.
I will (with any luck) have some more Virginia events listed. Upcoming events that right now lack dates are the Childsavers Ride in Richmond, VA (always a huge ride) and of course Hog Happenin in Lincolnton, NC which is a very favorite event. Look for more events here from time to time, and I plan to be at many of them, so as I did in past years will have some photos from those events. Hang in there, Spring is on the way!